Suntai had good reputation, loved his people – Obasanjo

A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has joined other eminent Nigerians in mourning the late former governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, stating that he left a good legacy and loved his people.

The former president in a letter of condolence he sent from Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, to the current Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent, noted that though Suntai died at young age, he would be remembered for his courage and contributions to the public service.

The letter dated June 29, 2017, read in part: “Though his life was short, many will remember him for his life of struggle, his courage, his contributions to the public service, and for his favourable political disposition towards his kinsmen.

“By so doing, he left a rich legacy and good reputation and honour which many much older than him could not attain. Though physically dead, he lives on in many hearts and memories and would forever be remembered by many who knew and loved him.”

The former President described the death of the former governor, as a loss not only to his family, his friends and associates, Taraba State but indeed, the entire nation.

The statement added, ” Pharmacist Suntai was an outstanding Nigerian and leader who contributed immensely to the development and stability of Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole.

“The vacuum created by his death would undoubtedly be difficult to fill.”

Suntai who was involved in a helicopter crash in October 2012, reportedly died in Houston, Texas, in the United States on Wednesday.

Mr Emmanuel Bello, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Darius Ishaku on Public Affairs confirmed the incident.